Bentley Contemplating Development of More Powerful Performance Versions of the Continental GT
Bentley Motors, the iconic British luxury car manufacturer, is set to launch a new high-performance variant of its Continental GT – the Supersports model. This new edition will focus on lightweight construction and track performance, with a powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing around 641bhp. The Supersports will be an alternative to the existing plug-in hybrid Speed model, which boasts 771bhp, and will be limited in numbers, priced well above the current Continental GT. The Supersports will offer a pure-combustion experience with enhanced aerodynamics and a new exhaust design [1].
Looking towards the future, Bentley has unveiled the EXP 15 electric concept, showcasing its design direction for upcoming EVs. However, it's important to note that the EXP 15 is not a direct production prototype. Bentley's first production electric vehicle (EV) is scheduled to launch in 2026. This new electric vehicle will be smaller and more conventionally configured than the EXP 15 concept, but it will incorporate design elements like illuminated grille lighting and mixed-material interiors seen in the concept. The powertrain details remain undisclosed, but performance around 600 hp and a 0-60 mph sprint near four seconds are plausible, positioning it to compete with rivals such as the Rolls-Royce Spectre. This EV is anticipated to be an all-wheel-drive vehicle with long-range touring capability and fast charging [2][3].
In addition, Bentley is previewing a new electric SUV concept expected late in 2025. This electric SUV will be built around a roughly 100 kWh battery pack, providing about 500 km WLTP range, and dual motors delivering close to 600 hp. This electric SUV is part of Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy focusing on sustainable luxury and carbon neutrality, furthering their transition towards electrification alongside their plug-in hybrid models [3][4].
Bentley's new CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, who had a long, distinguished career at Porsche, has expressed interest in offering more variety in the Continental GT models to attract more customers. The fourth generation of the Bentley Continental GT was introduced last year, and the current model is powered by a hybrid twin-turbo V-8. The base model of the current Continental GT makes 671 horsepower. However, the article does not provide information about new or upcoming models or features of the Bentley Continental GT [5].
The CEO of Bentley, whose identity was not specified in the article, expressed surprise at the strong performance of the company and acknowledged that Bentley is a British company. The CEO also mentioned that the company has a very good product investment and investment in Crewe, where Bentley's headquarters and main manufacturing facility are located [6].
Erik Shilling, the digital auto editor at the website, has had a diverse career, previously working as an editor at Jalopnik, Atlas Obscura, and the New York Post, and as a staff writer at several newspapers. Bentley is planning to introduce a new luxury SUV EV between now and 2035, but the article does not provide any specific information about this new model [7].
Sources:
[1] Autocar. (2023). Bentley Continental GT Supersports to pack 641bhp V8 and focus on track performance. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bentley-continental-gt-supersports-to-pack-641bhp-v8-and-focus-on-track-performance
[2] Autocar. (2023). Bentley's first production EV will arrive in 2026. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bentleys-first-production-ev-will-arrive-in-2026
[3] Autocar. (2023). Bentley previews electric SUV concept for 2025 launch. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bentley-previews-electric-suv-concept-2025-launch
[4] Electrek. (2023). Bentley's new electric SUV concept will have 500 km range, 600 hp, and fast charging. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2023/03/27/bentleys-new-electric-suv-concept-will-have-500-km-range-600-hp-and-fast-charging/
[5] Car and Driver. (2023). Bentley Continental GT: Review. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/bentley-continental-gt-review
[6] Autocar. (2023). Bentley CEO: "It's not very British to show confidence." Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/bentley-ceo-its-not-very-british-show-confidence
[7] Autocar. (2023). Bentley planning new luxury SUV EV by 2035. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bentley-planning-new-luxury-suv-ev-2035
- Bentley Motors is not restricting itself to luxury cars and is exploring opportunities in other sectors, such as finance, with the anticipation of an all-electric luxury SUV debut before 2035.
- The upcoming EV SUV from Bentley, which is part of their Beyond100+ strategy, will offer a long-range touring capability and will be powered by a roughly 100 kWh battery pack, providing around 500 km WLTP range.
- The automotive industry is witnessing a significant shift towards electrification, with Bentley Motors focusing on sustainable luxury and carbon neutrality, as evidenced by their upcoming electric vehicles, including the EXP 15 concept and the upcoming EV SUV, which will compete with other high-performance electric vehicles in the luxury segment.
